#1427. Built together to become a dwelling for God (9/1/26)

Welcome to this Come to Jesus Daily Devotional (posted, at present, every weekday) as we continue our Ephesians series: Ephesians - To the praise, for the purpose, in the power of God.

In our last devotional, we saw that all the blessings of salvation must be built on the right foundation—Christ Himself. Today, Paul takes the metaphor further and asks us to consider:

From Ephesians 2:21-22, we ask, what are we actually being built together for?

To watch this devotional, please select the link below: 

1. In Him the building his joined and rises

Paul continues to stress the unity of Jew and Gentile in Christ, using the picture of a temple. Like stones fitted together, believers are joined to Jesus and to one another by the Spirit.

This is not static, it’s ongoing. God is still building. Until Christ returns, He is gathering people from every nation, fitting them together, and causing His church to rise. The growth of the church is not random; it is God’s purposeful construction project, and we each have a place in it.

2. We are built together to be holy temple and dwelling for the Spirit

But what is the purpose of this building? Paul tells us: we are being built together to be God’s dwelling place.

• A holy temple – We belong to God, set apart for His purposes. The church is not a human organisation to serve our agendas; it is God’s temple, holy to Him.

• A dwelling of the Spirit – God does not simply visit His church; He inhabits it. When we gather, we should expect His presence, hear His voice, and be changed by His Spirit.

The foundation is Christ, but the goal is a Spirit-filled, holy community where God makes His presence known.

Response

• Do we share God’s vision of His church - not just another meeting to attend, but His dwelling place, holy and alive with the Spirit?

• Do we come to church gatherings, and do we do so prayerfully, expecting to encounter God, or passively, as though God were not expected?

• Will we commit ourselves to unity in Christ, so that together we rise as His temple and display His glory?

Community Group Notes

1. Notices

It might be good to begin with notices. Please share from this week’s Church News.

2. Icebreaker

What about the Christmas period and New Year has inspired you in your faith? 

3. Worship together

Let’s begin our time together by lifting our eyes and hearts to worship our great God. Perhaps you have readings and songs that you would like to use together. Let’s be open to the gifts that the Spirit wants to give in order to encourage one another.

4. Study and pray together

Balanced Time Allocation - Please ensure a balanced focus on discussion, SIV (Serve, Invest, and Invite), and prayer so that each section is meaningful and fruitful.

This week, we resume our Ephesians series: Ephesians: to the praise, for the purpose, in the power of God. 

Our message on Sunday from Ephesians 2:11-22, was entitled: The Foundation for a New Year, The Foundation of Life. 

Please ensure that everyone knows about, and knows how to access our daily devotions on the church website or other platforms. 

https://www.communitychurchputney.com/biblestudy

Please read Ephesians 2:11-22 and discuss:

• Personal Reflection – What did God speak to you about through Sunday’s message?

• As you go into the New Year, what are the many ways that we can build our lives and church on the 'Cornerstone', and how, personally, do you intend to do this in the New Year? 

• How does Jesus unite and bring peace to different kinds of people and how will this be seen in our community life?

• v. 19-21 - What is God building us into and how will this affect our church, particularly, our devotion to meeting and praying together? 

SIV (Serve, Invest, and Invite)

• What from these verses inspires or informs you in mission? 

• Share Stories – Have you had any recent opportunities to Serve, Invest in, or Invite someone toward Jesus? Let’s encourage one another by sharing testimonies of God at work through us.

• Practical Next Steps – Who is God putting on your heart to reach? Are there any ‘people of peace’ (*see note) in your life—those who are receptive to you and spiritual conversation?

Let’s pray together: 

• Let’s pray for one another based on our study, and bring before God any other needs or requests for prayer.

• Pray for one another's SIV opportunities and boldness in following the Spirit's promptings.

• Pray specifically for the ‘people of peace’ in our lives - asking God to open hearts and provide opportunities to speak life and truth.